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Bridgestone APM plant to create 89 jobs in Wheatfield

Bridgestone APM plans to create 89 jobs at a new plant in the Town of Wheatfield, a job count higher than previously projected.

The subsidiary of Japan-based Bridgestone will make polyurethane foam used in cars seats. Much of its product will be exported to Canada for the automotive market.

The $13.6 million, 65,000 square foot facility will be built in Vantage International Point industrial park. Operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2017, with full production online a few months after that.

The developer, TM Montante, will invest $6.5 million in the plant and lease the building to Bridgestone APM, which will invest $7.1 million in machinery and equipment.

Bridgestone APM will receive up to $1.2 million in Excelsior tax credits from Empire State Development Corp. The 89 jobs are expected to be created within five years; previous projections were the plant would create about 60 jobs.

The project will also receive tax incentives from the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency expected to save the company $3.2 million over 15 years. A grant of up to $750,000 from the state Office of Community Renewal will offset a portion of the cost of machinery and equipment.